Storytime: King Alfred and the Witch

Written by Olatunji Kehinde (SS3 Student, Holy Saviour’s College, Isolo)

First published on Readers’ Forum Blog — 2018 Edition

✍️ Dedication

This story is dedicated to my father, Mr. Kehinde Olatunji, and to everyone who loves and supports me.

KING ALFRED AND THE WITCH

Once upon a time, there lived a wise and courageous ruler named King Alfred, who governed the peaceful town of Kabba, located on the outskirts of Kogi State. His beloved wife, Queen Alfred, was known for her grace, kindness, and unwavering faith. But the story of how Alfred became king wasn’t ordinary — it began with pain, courage, and justice.

👑 The Rise of King Alfred

Before King Alfred ascended the throne, Kabba was under the harsh rule of a wicked king who enslaved his people and treated them with utter disregard. At that time, Alfred was in England with his wife. Upon returning home, he was heartbroken to find his parents among the slaves. Filled with righteous anger, Alfred decided to end the suffering of his people. After much thought, he came up with a daring plan — he poisoned the cruel king. The plan worked. The wicked ruler died, and the people of Kabba rejoiced. Although Alfred was hesitant, the people pleaded with him to become their new king. With encouragement from the elders and the support of his wife, he accepted, and a new era began in Kabba.

A New Beginning

Under King Alfred’s rule, the area around Kabba flourished. The shrines were destroyed, and Christianity spread across the land. The city became more prosperous and united than ever before. However, after five years of marriage, the royal couple faced a silent sorrow — Queen Alfred had no child. This became a great concern to the king and his people.

The Return of Labake

But hidden in the shadows was Labake, the widow of the former wicked king. She had vowed to avenge her husband’s death. Using dark powers, she cursed Queen Alfred, sealing her womb so she could never conceive. Labake then transformed herself into a stunning young woman, intending to seduce King Alfred and destroy his household from within.

💔 The King’s Mistake

One fateful day, King Alfred met this mysterious beauty while taking a walk. Though he remembered his promise to never take another wife, he was tormented by the thought of having no heir. Overcome by temptation, he married Labake, unaware that she was the witch behind Kabba’s misfortunes.

☠️ The Plague

Soon after the wedding, strange sicknesses swept through Kabba. People fell ill and died mysteriously. Even Queen Alfred became gravely sick. The Chiefs decided to seek help from a powerful pastor in a nearby village. But Labake, realising their plan, used her powers to summon a giant serpent that attacked and killed the Chiefs on their journey. Days passed, and the people of Kabba anxiously waited for their return, unaware of the tragedy.

⚔️ The Power of Prayer

Meanwhile, Labake continued to charm King Alfred, making him forget the troubles of his kingdom. One day, a palace guard noticed her strange behaviour and, sensing something was wrong, went in search of help. He returned with a pastor who immediately discerned the evil presence in the palace. The pastor prayed fervently, and under the power of God, Labake began to confess her deeds. Moments later, she fell and died . Instantly, the sick were healed, the darkness lifted, and peace was restored to Kabba. King Alfred regained his senses and mourned deeply for the people who had died.

A Joyful Ending

Nine months later, a miracle happened — Queen Alfred gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. The entire kingdom rejoiced. Though the mystery of the missing Chiefs remained unsolved, peace and prosperity returned to Kabba once more. And so, the story reminds us:

No evil lasts forever, and light will always conquer darkness.

About the Author

Olatunji Kehinde is an SS3 student of Holy Saviour’s College, Isolo, with a passion for creative storytelling and moral-based fiction. His writing blends imagination with lessons of courage, faith, and leadership — the very values Readers’ Forum stands for.